Cobra 19 DX IV Dodge 3rd Gen Install

[lilfroger]

To Remove dash bezel see: DIY - Removing / replacing your 3rd Gen radio bezel.

Purchased a Cobra 19 DX IV. This radio was chosen for it's small footprint:
Length: 7
Width: 4.5
Height: 1.75

A new bezel was obtained from Dave via James O'Neal Dodge. The stock unit could have been used; but wanted to switch to the silver bezel.

To allow clearance for CB the bottom lip of the top pocket must be removed. The pocket in the dash is larger than the opening for the plastic compartment. A Dremel and a little time and this lip in the bezel will be removed; have the CB unit handy for constant test fitting to insure enough is removed.

Cutting the enclosed hanger in half and inverting allowed mounting to the dash panel for secure install:

To create the proper clearance for the stock radio we extended the J opening w/ a drill bit and trimmed the rear corners as the plastic is angled slightly.

Thumb Screws can then be inserted into the radio and attached to the mounts.

Re-install the radio and dash bezel

Radio is mounted far enough forward to allow for access to all knobs

Plastic filler plates will be fabed up to take up the space on either side of the radio. Just not done at this time. There is room on the top / side of the bezel to securely attach plates to.

 

[Draenor]

Looks good...

Plastic filler plates will be fabed up to take up the space on either side of the radio. Just not done at this time. There is room on the top / side of the bezel to securely attach plates to.

That was gonna be my 1st question.

 

[lilfroger]

Before this install there was a trans temp gauge in the drivers side dash pocket. The pocket is somewhere in the shed but for the life of me I can't find it. So the dash is going to have to be pulled again when I get a new one in. So while I had planned on running to the hobby store and grabbing some acrylic and paint once we found that piece was missing I said screw it I'll do it when the pocket comes in.

 

[Zembonez]

That's pretty neat. Where does the sound for the radio come from?

 

[lilfroger]

The radio speaker is on the bottom of the radio. With the leg mounts there is good sound through the dash.

If after having it in for a bit I decide I want better / louder what ever sound. There is a port on the back of the Cobra for an external speaker.

Just need to listen to it for a bit to see if I actually need it. But during testing it seemed fine.

 

[Zembonez]

That's cool. It would be easy enough to hide an external speaker later if you need it.

 

[lilfroger]

Because I don't have power in the passenger seat it should tuck under there nicely if we decide to go that route